Tokyo
Some of my favourite shots taken during a recent trip to the big city..
There was lots to see on the streets of Tokyo and I enjoyed wandering around aimlessly, taking candid shots of the city dwellers. I was a bit taken aback on my first night in Shibuya, only managing to take a handful of photos. Maybe all the crowds were too much of a shock to my brain, now comfortable with Tanegashima and its slow life.. zzz
Tsukiji fish market is the biggest wholesale fish market in the world, handling 2000 metric tons of produce everyday. All kinds of seafood are auctioned and sold, the most expensive being the gigantic tuna that were cut and carved in no time at all.
Every Sunday, the Harajuku district plays host to a wide range of odd-balls coming together to show off their amazing costumes. My favourite were the rockabillys whose passion and energy drew big crowds as they boogie-woogied all afternoon.
A short walk from the rockers and you find the majestic Meiji shrine. The original building was destroyed in the air raids of World War II but was re-built in 1958. A beautiful forest surrounds the shrine and despite the crowds of tourists, provides a beautiful setting for Shinto wedding ceremonies.
I was very lucky to meet up with some old friends in the small district of Jiyugaoka, many who I had first met in Tanegashima several years ago! It was great to catch up as we ate and drank into the early morning. You are thankful for city life when you can step out of a bar at 5:00 am and on to the first train back to your hotel.. *hic*
Ah, but now it feels great to back in the countryside of Tanegashima. City life is great in small doses but I really have gotten used to island life here down south. Although I realised during my trip that I love street photography and for that reason alone, this year might see a couple more visits to the cities of Japan before my time here is over.
Hi, and thanks for the new pictures. I found your blog recently and enjoy following your photographic endeavours! I used Zuikos in the past, and are now looking for a Mamiya Universal Press with the 100/2.8. Please keep posting
Nara, Nara, Nara. Go to Nara! Also, the key to getting the Meiji shrine nice and peaceful is to go first thing on a workday in light rain in September 2006. It was deserted, just me and the monks! And, the colours in the fish market shots are crazy amazing.
Hello,
Very impressive serie! I love the mood of this photos. I really feel Japan’s spirit
The first one looks like a model (miniature)
Always a great pleasure to look at your work